Apple’s latest developer beta of macOS Tahoe introduces notable visual enhancements, focusing on user interface customization and iconography.
Menu Bar Background Toggle
In macOS Tahoe Beta 2, users gain the ability to enable or disable the menu bar’s background. By default, the menu bar is transparent, aligning with the new Liquid Glass design language that emphasizes translucency and a modern aesthetic. This transparency allows the menu bar to blend seamlessly with the desktop wallpaper, creating a more immersive visual experience. However, for those who prefer a more traditional look, enabling the background restores the familiar frosted appearance, providing a distinct separation between the menu bar and the rest of the screen. This option caters to diverse user preferences, ensuring both modern and classic aesthetics are accommodated.
Revamped Finder Icon
The Finder icon has undergone a subtle yet significant revision in this beta release. Previously, the icon featured an inverted color scheme, with the right side in blue and the left side in white. Beta 2 reverts to the traditional color layout, with the left side blue and the right side white, reinstating the classic design that Mac users have been familiar with for decades. This change reflects Apple’s attention to detail and responsiveness to user feedback, aiming to balance innovation with familiarity.
Additional Enhancements in macOS Tahoe
Beyond these visual updates, macOS Tahoe introduces several other features aimed at enhancing user experience and productivity:
– Liquid Glass Design Language: This new design approach brings a translucent, glass-like aesthetic to the entire system, including the Dock, sidebars, and app windows. The design dynamically adapts between light and dark modes, providing a cohesive and modern look across the operating system. ([appleinsider.com](https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/06/09/macos-tahoe-gets-liquid-glass-visual-redesign-major-tools-updates?utm_source=openai))
– Control Center Customization: Users can now personalize the Control Center by adding or rearranging controls, similar to the customization options available on iOS. This flexibility allows for a more tailored and efficient user experience. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/2025/06/11/macos-tahoe-is-more-customizable/?utm_source=openai))
– Spotlight Enhancements: Spotlight search has been overhauled to include quick actions, quick-key shortcuts, and integration with Apple Intelligence. These improvements aim to make finding and interacting with content faster and more intuitive. ([macworld.com](https://www.macworld.com/article/2809682/macos-26-tahoe-5-features-coming-this-fall-that-power-users-will-love.html?utm_source=openai))
– Phone App Integration: The new Phone app allows users to make and receive cellular calls directly from their Mac, utilizing Continuity to integrate seamlessly with the iPhone. Features like Call Screening and Hold Assist enhance the calling experience by providing additional functionality and convenience. ([notebookcheck.net](https://www.notebookcheck.net/macOS-Tahoe-26-adds-iPhone-call-support-redesigned-interface-and-new-AI-tools.1033531.0.html?utm_source=openai))
– Live Activities: Real-time updates from iPhone apps can now appear in the Mac’s menu bar, providing timely information such as incoming flights, ride statuses, or sports scores. Clicking on these updates opens a mirrored view of the corresponding iPhone app, ensuring continuity across devices. ([notebookcheck.net](https://www.notebookcheck.net/macOS-Tahoe-26-adds-iPhone-call-support-redesigned-interface-and-new-AI-tools.1033531.0.html?utm_source=openai))
– Journal App: Previously exclusive to iPhone, the Journal app is now available on Mac, allowing users to document their thoughts and experiences seamlessly across devices. ([appleinsider.com](https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/06/09/macos-tahoe-gets-liquid-glass-visual-redesign-major-tools-updates?utm_source=openai))
– Shortcuts Expansion: The Shortcuts app has been updated with new actions specifically designed for controlling Apple Intelligence features, such as Writing Tools. This expansion empowers users to automate tasks and enhance productivity through customized workflows. ([macworld.com](https://www.macworld.com/article/2809682/macos-26-tahoe-5-features-coming-this-fall-that-power-users-will-love.html?utm_source=openai))
– Spotlight Clipboard History: A long-awaited feature, Spotlight now includes a clipboard history, allowing users to access previously copied content without the need for third-party applications. This addition streamlines the workflow and enhances efficiency. ([heise.de](https://www.heise.de/en/news/macOS-26-Tahoe-Redesign-and-new-version-scheme-10437833.html?utm_source=openai))
– Apple Intelligence Integration: Developers now have access to Apple Intelligence technology, enabling them to incorporate advanced AI features into their applications. This integration is expected to lead to more intelligent and responsive apps, enhancing the overall user experience. ([appleinsider.com](https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/06/09/macos-tahoe-gets-liquid-glass-visual-redesign-major-tools-updates?utm_source=openai))
Compatibility and Availability
macOS Tahoe is compatible with the following devices:
– MacBook Air with Apple Silicon (2020 and later)
– MacBook Pro with Apple Silicon (2020 and later)
– MacBook Pro with Intel chip, 16-inch (2019)
– MacBook Air with Intel chip, 13-inch (2020)
– iMac (2020 and later)
– Mac mini (2020 and later)
– Mac Studio (2020 and later)
– Mac Pro (2019 and later)
Notably, this release marks the end of support for earlier Intel-based Macs, including 2018 MacBook Pro models, 2019 iMacs, and the iMac Pro. The developer beta is currently available, with a public beta expected next month and a full release later in the year. ([appleinsider.com](https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/06/09/what-macs-will-be-able-to-run-macos-tahoe?utm_source=openai))
Conclusion
macOS Tahoe Beta 2 continues to refine the Mac experience by introducing customizable visual elements and integrating features that enhance productivity and user engagement. The ability to toggle the menu bar background and the return to the classic Finder icon design demonstrate Apple’s commitment to balancing innovation with user familiarity. As the operating system progresses through its beta phases, users can anticipate further enhancements that will solidify macOS Tahoe as a significant update in Apple’s software lineup.
